Richard Sherman and the loudest athletes in sports

Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman has stolen headlines this week for his postgame rant after he helped send Seattle to the Super Bowl. But how does he compare with other loud athletes in the world of spots?

By By NICK EATON

on January 21, 2014 8:00 PM

Photo: Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

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Richard Sherman and the loudest athletes in sports

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman stole his team's thunder Sunday when he went on a rant after winning the NFC championship, drawing incredible response from the football-watching public around the U.S. and the world. Now that he's becoming a household name -- for better or worse -- does he rank among the biggest loudmouths in sports history?

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman stole his team's thunder Sunday when he went on a rant after winning the NFC championship, drawing incredible ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

Richard Sherman and the loudest athletes in sports Seattle... Photo-5756458.78196 - Times Union

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Jim Harbaugh

The San Francisco 49ers head coach doesn't talk much trash, but he does have a habit of freaking out on the sidelines -- yelling at players, screaming about refs' calls and jumping around like a lunatic. Harbaugh did suggest the Seahawks cheat by using PEDs: "We play by the rules."

The San Francisco 49ers head coach doesn't talk much trash, but he does have a habit of freaking out on the sidelines -- yelling at players, screaming about refs' calls and jumping around like a ... more

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

Jim Harbaugh The San Francisco 49ers head coach doesn't... Photo-5756457.78196 - Times Union

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Philip Rivers

The San Diego Chargers quarterback has developed a reputation for being a hothead and loudmouth on the football field. Rivers is passionate and often is seen screaming at the officials, opponents and even his own teammates. less

Philip Rivers

The San Diego Chargers quarterback has developed a reputation for being a hothead and loudmouth on the football field. Rivers is passionate and often is seen screaming at the officials, opponents ... more

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Philip Rivers The San Diego Chargers quarterback has developed a... Photo-5756466.78196 - Times Union

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Chael Sonnen

This UFC star has made a career out of smack talk and self-aggrandizing. "I don't walk around looking into cameras and telling people I'm the best fighter in the world just to hear myself talk," Sonnen said in 2012. "I say it for the same reason they put warnings on packages of cigarettes, and fighting Chael Sonnen may be hazardous to one's health."

This UFC star has made a career out of smack talk and self-aggrandizing. "I don't walk around looking into cameras and telling people I'm the best fighter in the world just to hear myself talk," ... more

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Chael Sonnen This UFC star has made a career out of smack talk... Photo-5756472.78196 - Times Union

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Rex Ryan

It's not often you get an NFL head coach who will speak his mind on the podium, but the head honcho of the New York Jets doesn't shy away from letting his true feelings be known. Before facing the crosstown Giants in 2011, Ryan said: "I came here to win, to be looked at that way, and to take over not just this city -- even though it's the city to take over -- but also the league. I haven't accomplished that yet. Saturday, I think, will go a long way toward doing that."

It's not often you get an NFL head coach who will speak his mind on the podium, but the head honcho of the New York Jets doesn't shy away from letting his true feelings be known. Before facing the ... more

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Rex Ryan It's not often you get an NFL head coach who will... Photo-5756468.78196 - Times Union

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Kevin Garnett

The former Boston Celtic once allegedly told the New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony that his wife "tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios." We suppose Garnett is kinder to players who have suffered a personal misfortune. Oh, that's right, he told Charlie Villanueva that he "looked like a cancer patient." Villanueva has alopecia, which causes hair loss.

"The Boz" is considered one of the biggest NFL draft busts of all time, and it all started with his egotistical letter to several teams that he wouldn't play for them if selected. Well, the Seahawks took him in the supplemental draft, and he didn't waste time making noise in Seattle. He showed up to the first day of training camp in a helicopter.

"The Boz" is considered one of the biggest NFL draft busts of all time, and it all started with his egotistical letter to several teams that he wouldn't play for them if selected. Well, the ... more

Photo: Rob Brown, NFL

Brian Bosworth "The Boz" is considered one of the... Photo-5756454.78196 - Times Union

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Ozzie Guillen

There was the time he called a newspaper columnist a "fag," later apologizing. Yet the former Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins manager got into the most trouble by running his mouth about former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Not the smartest thing while living in a city full of people who fled the Caribbean island for a freer life in Miami.

There was the time he called a newspaper columnist a "fag," later apologizing. Yet the former Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins manager got into the most trouble by running his mouth about former ... more

Photo: Jason Arnold, Getty Images

Ozzie Guillen There was the time he called a newspaper columnist... Photo-5756456.78196 - Times Union

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Chad Johnson

Also known as Chad Ochocinco, the former Cincinnati Bengals star had trash talk down to a science. Before facing Green Bay cornerback Al Harris, Johnson had this to say: "There are two things for Brother Harris this week. That bad thing is, he has to cover me. The good is he can save 15 percent by switching his auto insurance to Geico."

Also known as Chad Ochocinco, the former Cincinnati Bengals star had trash talk down to a science. Before facing Green Bay cornerback Al Harris, Johnson had this to say: "There are two things for ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

Chad Johnson Also known as Chad Ochocinco, the former Cincinnati... Photo-5756462.78196 - Times Union

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Floyd Mayweather

"I got a big mouth." He said it -- do we need to expand anymore? OK, here's another example from the undefeated boxer talking about Manny Pacquiao: "Once I stomp the midget, I'm gonna take that mother****** make me a sushi roll and cook me some rice." Talk about racist. To make matters worse, Pacquiao is Filipino.

"I got a big mouth." He said it -- do we need to expand anymore? OK, here's another example from the undefeated boxer talking about Manny Pacquiao: "Once I stomp the midget, I'm gonna take that ... more

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images

Floyd Mayweather "I got a big mouth." He said it -- do... Photo-5756460.78196 - Times Union

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Terrell Owens

Perhaps most famous for dancing on the midfield Cowboys logo in Dallas, the former 49ers star (he later played in Dallas, ironically) is one of the more divisive figures in recent sports history. Heck, his touchdown celebrations were a main reason the NFL created the "excessive celebration" penalty.

Perhaps most famous for dancing on the midfield Cowboys logo in Dallas, the former 49ers star (he later played in Dallas, ironically) is one of the more divisive figures in recent sports history. ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

Terrell Owens Perhaps most famous for dancing on the midfield... Photo-5756464.78196 - Times Union

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Gary Payton

Richard Sherman has Seattle's loudest mouth since this former Sonics star, who is legendary not just for his play but for his smack talk. Legend has it he talked trash to Michael Jordan in his very first preseason game. Payton gabbed through every game of every season he played in the NBA. "Shut up, you little Smurf," he once told 6-foot Timberwolves coach Sidney Lowe.

Richard Sherman has Seattle's loudest mouth since this former Sonics star, who is legendary not just for his play but for his smack talk. Legend has it he talked trash to Michael Jordan in his very ... more

People are comparing Richard Sherman to this NFL great, whose reputation not only as a great cornerback but as a loud personality lives on in sports lore. Like Sherman, people either loved or hated Sanders. But there was no denying his great football skills.

People are comparing Richard Sherman to this NFL great, whose reputation not only as a great cornerback but as a loud personality lives on in sports lore. Like Sherman, people either loved or hated ... more

Photo: Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images

Deion Sanders People are comparing Richard Sherman to this NFL... Photo-5756469.78196 - Times Union

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Dennis Rodman

The former Chicago Bulls star may have been loud on the court, but he was even louder off of it. His persona was out of this world -- a truly eccentric man with an incredible ability to shoot hoops. Heck, Rodman is even making noise now, in the political world, with his cultural exchanges through basketball in North Korea.

The former Chicago Bulls star may have been loud on the court, but he was even louder off of it. His persona was out of this world -- a truly eccentric man with an incredible ability to shoot ... more

Photo: Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

Dennis Rodman The former Chicago Bulls star may have been loud... Photo-5756467.78196 - Times Union

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Shannon Sharpe

The former Broncos tight end's most famous line: "We need the National Guard! We need as many men as you can spare, because we are killing the Patriots!" You may have noticed a trend in this gallery -- many of these outspoken personalities have ended up with broadcasting careers. It seems people appreciate a person who speaks his or her mind.

The former Broncos tight end's most famous line: "We need the National Guard! We need as many men as you can spare, because we are killing the Patriots!" You may have noticed a trend in this ... more

Photo: Brian Bahr, Getty Images

Shannon Sharpe The former Broncos tight end's most famous... Photo-5756470.78196 - Times Union

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Charles Barkley

"Sir Charles" continues to deliver great lines as a regular TV personality, but it all started back on the court. One of his gems: "We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good."

"Sir Charles" continues to deliver great lines as a regular TV personality, but it all started back on the court. One of his gems: "We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, ... more

His tipped pass intended for 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree sealed a Super Bowl berth for the Seattle Seahawks, but Sherman -- who was already known for his outspoken personality -- didn't stop there. "I'm the best corner in the game," he yelled during an on-field postgame interview with Fox's Erin Andrews. "When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that's the result you gonna get. Don't you ever talk about me!"

His tipped pass intended for 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree sealed a Super Bowl berth for the Seattle Seahawks, but Sherman -- who was already known for his outspoken personality -- didn't stop ... more

Often considered one of the best trash-talkers of all time, the Boston Celtics legend always was able to back up what he said. One anecdote: While playing against former Sonics star Shawn Kemp, Bird shot a three-pointer over Kemp's head, made the basket and declared, "I'm the best damn player from Indiana."

Often considered one of the best trash-talkers of all time, the Boston Celtics legend always was able to back up what he said. One anecdote: While playing against former Sonics star Shawn Kemp, Bird ... more

Photo: Focus On Sport, Getty Images

Larry Bird Often considered one of the best trash-talkers of all... Photo-5756453.78196 - Times Union

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Michael Jordan

One of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball was also one of the greatest to ever play the game of gab. There are countless stories from his days as a player. As a team owner, Jordan famously made 19-year-old draftee Kwame Brown break down in tears during a Washington Wizards practice session. Jordan even trash-talked Bill Clinton during a game of golf, teasing the former president for playing from "the little girls' tees."

One of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball was also one of the greatest to ever play the game of gab. There are countless stories from his days as a player. As a team owner, Jordan ... more

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Michael Jordan One of the greatest to ever play the game of... Photo-5756459.78196 - Times Union

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Muhammad Ali

The king of all trash-talkers, he is known now by his own self-applied title: The Greatest. A couple Ali gems include: "If you even dream of beating me, you'd better wake up and apologize," and, "I'm not the greatest. I'm the double-greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round."

The king of all trash-talkers, he is known now by his own self-applied title: The Greatest. A couple Ali gems include: "If you even dream of beating me, you'd better wake up and apologize," and, ... more

Photo: Anwar Hussein, Getty Images

Muhammad Ali The king of all trash-talkers, he is known now by... Photo-5756451.78196 - Times Union

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Mike Tyson

Boxing seems to have all the best trash-talkers. Here are a couple quotes from Tyson, who certainly had a way -- some way -- with words: "I want to kill people. I want to rip their stomachs out and eat their children." "My power is discombobulatingly devastating. I could feel his muscle tissues collapse under my force. It's ludicrous these mortals even attempt to enter my realm."

Boxing seems to have all the best trash-talkers. Here are a couple quotes from Tyson, who certainly had a way -- some way -- with words: "I want to kill people. I want to rip their stomachs out and ... more

Photo: Focus On Sport, Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Mike Tyson Boxing seems to have all the best trash-talkers. Here... Photo-5756473.78196 - Times Union